WaveMaker Interval:Duration

[Rudy]

Good Day,

Yesterday I turned my CL back on. However, since I now have a Reek Keeper (RKL) I decided to utilize its wave maker feature to make the higher flow intermittent, similar to a wave surge.

My decision was, in part, because when I utilized my CL following initial set-up, 14 months ago, the flow seemed too strong. Second, one of the benefits of a multifunction controller is using some of these cool functions. :grinno:

My main question is, what interval (on/off) and duration (wave) do people who are incorporating a similar practice utilize? I imagine it is highly variable, but I thought I would inquire to see if there is a general consensus.

For what it is worth, I currently have the CL flow (wave duration) at 30 seconds with a 2-minute interval between wave surges.

 

[Rudy]

Bump/update - currently (for past ~ 8 months) running a one minute cycle of 14 secs on, 46 off. The increased, particularly with respect to frequency, mild-moderate water agitation appears to benefit all. :thm:

 

[Ace25]

When you say CL, you mean Closed Loop, right? If so, that usually means a pretty large pump and not just powerheads. If that is the case, I would think you would wear out the pump really quickly turning it off/on that often. Somehow I think I am misunderstanding what your doing though. On my vortech when in "wave" mode it is right around 1second on / 1second off to create a wave in my tank.

 

[Rudy]

No - you have it correct. CL = Closed Loop. And yes, I've been turning it on/off on some sort of cycle for close to 3 years now, but no more frequently than the last 6 months. Regardless, the pump is as quiet and efficient as ever.

I guess the effect of my CL cycling once every 46 seconds for 14 seconds is more of a wave surge than a true wave. Nevertheless, couple with the ocean's motions 4 way the effect is highly variable each cycle but, still felt tank wide each time.

Cheers